[2019-08-16] The Ides Of March "Play On: 55th Anniversary" with guests Mark Farner, Joe Bonamassa, more (Ides Of March)

Linda · **Posted:** Tue Jun 18, 2019 1:08 pm

Description
Over the past 55 years, Chicago's own The Ides Of March have earned their place in Rock history with their stirring brass-driven platinum hit "Vehicle". Ides singer/guitarist Jim Peterik, who wrote and sang that listener favorite, went on to co-write numerous other Top Ten smashes, including "Hold On Loosely" for .38 Special, and "The Eye Of The Tiger" for Survivor. His songwriting has garnered Jim a Grammy™, a People's Choice Award, and an Oscar™ nomination. Now comes the Ides' new album Play On with 14 fresh songs, drawing on the wide variety of genres the Ides have mastered over their 55 year career. CD contains 15 tracks including the classic original single release of "Vehicle".

Jim Peterik reached deep into his talent, bringing together and intermingling the influences and directions responsible for so many hit tunes, sometimes composing with fellow members of the Ides, and selected hit writers to create this collection that showcases the wide range of musicianship inherent in the band.

Of course, Play On features the trademark brass sound responsible for Vehicle's continued rotation on radio stations worldwide. As important to their identity are their skillful vocal harmonies, which leap from a sweet simmer to incendiary intensity. These vocals are heard in every Play On song.

Hit producer Fred Mollin drew the best out of the 8-man group which includes the four original members, who came together in 1964. The Ides chose to invite several of their Superstar friends to celebrate their 55-year musical journey. Mark Farner, original lead singer and guitarist of Grand Funk, lends his distinctive voice and lead guitar to the hard-rocking "Swagger". Blues superstar guitarist Joe Bonamassa weaves tasty licks throughout "The Cover Up".

Cathy Richardson of Jefferson Starship shares an impassioned duet with Jim on "Blue Storm Rising", while David Pack, former lead singer of Ambrosia, pairs with Jim for an exquisite duet on "A Song About Mary". Bo Bice of American Idol and Blood Sweat & Tears fame tears it up on "Love Or Something Like It".

Sax phenom Mindi Abair adds her unique style to "Friends Like You". Paul Shaffer of David Letterman's Band contributes a cool electric piano vibe to "Rule Of Three". Completing the celebrity guest roster is Tom "Toad" Doody of fellow Chicago favorites The Cryan Shames, whose heartfelt voice graces "Cornerstone".

6 more songs with the Ides flying solo round out the powerful album.

As a bonus track, the original Warner Brothers single of "Vehicle" is included on the CD edition.

All these elements combine in a career-defining moment for the Ides Of March. Their sheer love of music is the engine driving this machine, and has powered it onstage and in the recording studio for 55 years. The Bard Of Avon inspired the Ides' name, and a paraphrase of his immortal Twelfth Night couplet provides the guiding light of this fine new album:

"If Music Is The Wine Of Love...Play On!"

Tracklist
1. Play On
2. This Miracle
3. Blue Storm Rising
4. Song About Mary
5. Swagger
6. Friends Like You
7. Rule Of Three
8. First Day Of Your Life
9. Too Far To Turn Around
10. Cornerstone
11. She
12. Love Or Something Like It
13. The Cover-Up
14. All The Way Home
Bonus Vintage Track:
15. Vehicle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3NQ9PH/?tag=imwan-20

Linda · **Posted:** Thu Aug 15, 2019 6:10 pm

smokin.joe · 01 Aug 2008

Don't see too many 68 year old men with purple hair.

Renny · 26 Jun 2006

smokin.joe wrote:

Don't see too many 68 year old men with purple hair.

don't see too many 68 year-old men with any hair!

[2019-08-16] The Ides Of March "Play On: 55th Anniversary" with guests Mark Farner, Joe Bonamassa, more (Ides Of March)

Who is WANline